Thai PM vows change for four-year term

author: FutureCar Staff    

Thailand's new prime minister officially assumed office on Wednesday with the support of the King, leading a controversial coalition that includes pro-military parties associated with former coup-makers. The appointment of Srettha Thavisin, a former property mogul from the Pheu Thai Party, marks the end of a political deadlock that has persisted since the general election in May. Thavisin's confirmation came just hours after the return of billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was immediately imprisoned for past corruption cases.

Following a parliamentary vote on Tuesday, Thavisin received a written command from King Maha Vajiralongkorn to form a government. He is expected to announce his Cabinet in the coming days. In his acceptance speech, Thavisin expressed his commitment to prioritize the well-being of the country and vowed to work tirelessly to bring about positive change. He also emphasized the government's goal of creating happiness for all citizens and making Thailand a land of hope for the younger generation.

Outgoing prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who came to power through a coup and overthrew the previous Pheu Thai government, congratulated Thavisin and wished him luck. Prayut's party suffered a significant defeat in the recent polls, with the Move Forward Party gaining popularity among the youth and urban population due to their progressive agenda. However, the Move Forward Party's plans to reform royal insult laws and challenge powerful business interests alarmed the country's elite, resulting in Pheu Thai forming a coalition with Prayut's party and another party linked to the past military coups.

The past two decades of Thai politics have been marked by a contentious rivalry between pro-Thaksin parties and the influential pro-military and royalist establishment. Thaksin, who was sentenced to eight years in prison on Tuesday, returned to Thailand at a time that coincided with Pheu Thai's decision to form a coalition with pro-military parties. This has led to speculation that a backroom deal has been struck to grant Thaksin leniency, although the party denies such rumors. Thaksin, who is suffering from various health issues, has been transferred from a prison quarantine facility to a police hospital.

Thaksin's policies, which included affordable healthcare and a minimum wage, earned him the support of the rural poor. However, he is despised by the country's elite, who viewed his rule from 2001 to 2006 as corrupt, authoritarian, and a threat to the social order in Thailand.

FutureCar Staff